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When looking at recruitment, recent graduates or workers currently employed within your sector may be your first port of call for candidates. While this approach may yield great results, another pool of candidates often overlooked could prove to be a great asset to your business.
The adult learning community consists of diverse individuals who bring unique perspectives and broad skillsets to the table. Many people who choose to engage in lifelong learning are extremely motivated and adaptable, which can help them succeed in a rapidly changing employment landscape.
Maturity and life experience allow adult learners to bring greater context to decision-making, enable a more measured approach to conflict, and work from a more solution-focused perspective.
The team at our Career Centre provide you with free CV templates and offer reviews with personalized feedback to help your CV stand out. We also share helpful tips to guide you in the right direction.
Offer short, supervised project briefs during study to assess real skills.
Pair candidates with senior staff for a week to evaluate culture fit and support.
Publish a 90-day plan so motivated learners understand success pathways.
“We prioritise candidates who show a learning habit. It signals grit, adaptability, and the ability to self-correct—qualities we can’t teach in onboarding.”
Mid-career pivot (Administration → Payroll): An adult learner completes a focused payroll module while working part-time. They present a small project reconciling sample timesheets to payslips. The hiring team reviews their process notes and communication with a mock “client,” making the skill transfer clear.
Short answer: yes! Tailoring your CV can be the difference between being discarded early or getting it seen by decision-makers.
A tailored CV demonstrates attention and effort to employers.
How to tailor your CV:
Before: “Responsible for payroll tasks.”
After: “Processed weekly payroll for 70 staff in Xero with 100% on-time accuracy across 12 months.”
Individuals investing in professional development, especially when full-time employment is not an option, are attractive candidates for HR departments.
Those who have taken time to rear children, upskill during potential leisure time, or undertake workforce training voluntarily should interest talent acquisition teams.
Hiring from the adult learning community connects you with talented individuals who manage time well, seek career development, and juggle responsibilities to upskill.
Such employees work well under pressure, choose learning voluntarily, and are ready to return to the workforce, positively impacting retention metrics.
“Retention isn’t only about perks—it’s about visible growth. Adult learners stay when progress is clear.”
If you're seeking workforce diversity and committed candidates who embrace lifelong learning, tapping into adult learning communities is invaluable.
Partnering with them strategically can integrate your skill needs into industry-led courses, benefiting business growth.
Opportunities include offering senior staff as guest tutors, ensuring communication about exceptional students with hiring managers, and accrediting courses through your company.
Identify the 3–5 skills you need in the next 6–12 months.
Build curriculum tasks that mirror real work.
Offer conditional roles with milestone reviews.
Providing lifelong learning opportunities for current employees enhances productivity and shows you value their contributions.
Motivating employees extends beyond salary—offering skills development as an employment package fosters loyalty and growth.
Broadening your search to adult learners connects you with individuals committed to keeping skills updated, willing to take risks, and able to pivot when challenges arise.
Such an adaptable workforce enhances productivity and resilience in complex situations.
Your company thrives on its people. Diversifying your search and building relationships with the adult learning community unlocks valuable connections.
Thinking long-term and providing employee development programmes accelerates retention and skill sustainability amid a changing business landscape.
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